In the art of phonegraphy (cell phone photography; yeah I had to look it up) the principle is fairly easily learned. In a few days you can learn the characters and the general principles, but it takes months and sometimes years of patient practice to be able to use them quickly, efficiently and accurately to produce the perfect picture. What a great example of comprehending the great principle of “Spiritual Education.”
In his letter to the Philippines, Paul refers to “spiritual education” three times…
Phil 4:11-12 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
The NIV translation – I have learned the secret. Young’s Literal Translation reads – I have been initiated.
What’s the secret? The principle of the spiritual life is the indwelling of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If we are true and sincere we will apply that principle (Their presence) and begin experiencing a deeper spiritual life. The difficulty, however, is to apply it moment by moment in every aspect of our Walk with Jesus. This is where we face the struggle of success and failure.
Every member of the bride of Christ can point back to the moment when they gave their self to Jesus and received Him as their life and strength. Many, however, have failed to realize that is just the start… it’s just the “principle.” It’s walking with Him, step-by-step (the application), that makes His presence real and proves that…
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Sadly, many members of the bride are satisfied with a superficial application of the “Secret” in their Walk. What is needed is what one writer calls…
The practice of the presence of God; the constant, patient, ceaseless dependence upon Him for everything; the applying of our secret to every test that comes in life, to every moment of every day until we can say with the great apostle, “I have been initiated, I have been instructed, I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Think about that the next time you quickly grab your cellphone to take a photo… to capture a moment for future reference!